The Ekiti State Police Command wishes to debunk the news circulating on the social media that one HELEN KAYODE, a graduate of Ekiti State University, was kidnapped and kept in an uncompleted building surrounded by bush, as she was never kidnapped but masterminded the false information for the reason still under investigation.
The Command, after receiving the disturbing information from a family member that their relative was kidnapped between Iworoko-Ekiti and Ado-Ekiti, swung into action and apprehended the boyfriend of the alleged victim, one OLUWANIFEMI OLUSESAN, who was seen with her yesterday being 01/05/2025 based on a tip-off.
During interrogation, the boyfriend stated that he was with the alleged victim all through the night before she left for Lagos in the early hours of today. He however, said that he was not aware of any message of being kidnapped sent by his girlfriend. He immediately called the girlfriend who confirmed that she was already in Lagos but promised to return tomorrow being 03/05/2025.
The Command implores members of the public to disregard the false information while reassuring citizens that the State is safe and secured, as the Command has continued to prioritize the maximum security of all and sundry.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Polce, CP JOSEPH ERIBO, warns against the creation and publication of false information that is capable of creating unnecessary tension in the State, as well as the circulation of such false and unverified information, as the Command will ensure anyone found wanting will be made to face the wrath of the law.
The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s economic state, revealing that the country’s GDP per capita has dropped to $824 far below the $1,847 recorded at independence in 1960.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary dinner of Chapel Hill Denham in Lagos on Thursday, Adesina said Nigeria is facing a deeper economic decline than widely acknowledged, and urgently needs a radical overhaul of its economic structure to become globally competitive by 2050.
“Today, Nigerians are worse off than they were 64 years ago,” he stated, pointing to long-standing issues such as poor policy decisions, weak institutions, heavy dependence on oil, and underinvestment in vital sectors.
Despite being Africa’s biggest economy by overall GDP, Nigeria’s economic framework remains fragile and unsustainable, he added. Adesina compared Nigeria’s situation to that of South Korea – a country that had lower GDP per capita in 1960 but now enjoys over $36,000 per person thanks to focused industrialisation. “Nigeria has the potential to join the ranks of developed nations, but we must change our mindset and drive rapid growth,” he stressed. “Underdevelopment is not our destiny.”
He outlined five urgent reforms needed to revive the economy: universal electricity access, top-tier infrastructure, accelerated industrialisation, innovation-based growth, and competitive agriculture.
Adesina called for bold structural changes, citing the Dangote Refinery as a model for large-scale, private-led industrial projects. He urged the country to tap into its pension funds, diaspora talent, and capital markets to fund such initiatives.
He emphasized that meaningful reform will only happen with strong institutions, consistent policies, and good governance. “Without a credible reform agenda, Nigeria risks falling further behind,” he warned, insisting the country must be “deliberately shaped, developed, and corruption-free” by 2050.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested several recently sacked managing directors and top officials of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries in connection with the alleged mismanagement of $2.9 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the state-owned facilities.
Among those arrested are the former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja; former MD of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Efifia Chu; and former MD of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Mustafa Sugungun.
Investigations by the anti-graft agency revealed shocking financial discrepancies, including the discovery of N80 billion in a personal account belonging to one of the former MDs. The revelation comes amid rising public scrutiny over the continuous non-performance of Nigeria’s refineries despite repeated claims of rehabilitation and huge financial allocations.
According to exclusive findings, the EFCC is examining the allocation and potential diversion of: • $1.5 billion earmarked for the Port Harcourt refinery, • $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and • $656 million for the Warri refinery.
A senior EFCC official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the arrests were part of a wider investigation targeting the disbursement and use of the massive funds designated for quick-fix maintenance of the refineries.
“We are investigating the money that was released for the rehabilitation of all three refineries—funds disbursed in recent times. All the principal officers who held key positions during this period are being invited for questioning. Some have already been arrested; others are under watch,” the EFCC source stated.
“Nigerians are eager to see functional refineries. The question we are asking is: where is the money, and what has happened to the refineries?”
A document obtained from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), dated April 28, 2025, titled “Investigation Activities: Request for Information”, confirmed that the investigation also extends to the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari.
The EFCC document reportedly includes the names of 13 additional former senior executives of the NNPCL who are now under investigation for alleged misappropriation of public funds.
This development marks one of the most significant anti-corruption actions in the oil sector in recent years, further intensifying public demand for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official public statement, but sources say more arrests and disclosures are expected in the coming days as investigations progress.
The Lagos state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a driver of Lagos bus rap!d trans!t (BRT), to death by hanging for killing Bamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.
Ominikoron was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, rape, murder, and sexual assault.
Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron at the Ajah axis of Lagos. Her disappearance sparked public outrage and a widespread search.
Nine days later, her lifeless body was found on Carter Bridge in Lagos Island.
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has strongly denied allegations made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, claiming he orchestrated a violent attack during the students’ inauguration event in Abuja.
Atiku Isah had alleged that thugs loyal to Seyi Tinubu stormed The Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, disrupting the ceremony with cutlasses and firearms.
The student leader claimed the attackers stabbed attendees, looted property, and forced dignitaries such as Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and former Governor Idris Wada to flee. He described the attack as “politically motivated” and linked it to an alleged bribe offer aimed at silencing his leadership.
In a swift and unequivocal response posted on his official Instagram handle, Seyi Tinubu dismissed the claims as baseless and defamatory.
“I have never held a meeting to discuss any subject matter with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else in the world,” Seyi wrote. “I have never knowingly met him before. Neither did I visit any location with thugs. All these allegations by Atiku Isah are completely fictional.”
Expressing disbelief, he added: “Wow…how can someone lie with so much confidence? Wow wow…an attempt to defame any character. May God be with you Comrade Atiku Isah.”
Seyi Tinubu’s statement has drawn support from his followers, many of whom called for a formal investigation to clear the air. As of now, no official complaint has been filed against him.
The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, is deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of its operatives, Mr. Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, following a distress call from local farmers operating in the Papa Farm area Iwo. The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilized to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.
Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region. During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene.
While most of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot on the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.
The incident has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo, and the body of the fallen hero has been deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Osun Amotekun Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communities of Osun State from all forms of insecurity. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lamidi Abiodun and stand united in honor of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would perform the groundbreaking for the establishment of the biggest cotton and polyester processing factory in the world at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan area of the State.
Speaking while receiving the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, and members of the Iperu Development Association in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the factory, which is under the “Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative,” would sit on 400 hectares of land and would employ about 250,000 people daily.
He said: “In the next 30-45 days, we will be doing the groundbreaking of the Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative that will be done by Mr. President himself. It is going to be a bigger factory, and it will be the biggest cotton and polyester processing factory in the world.
“It will employ 250,000 people per day. The promoters of this factory went around the whole state, and they decided that this is the place they want to site this factory because of the existing infrastructure like the airport, proximity to consumers, and the ability of raw materials to come in centrally.
“We are clearing the site, and this factory is going to sit on 400 hectares of land. It is like a whole new town. The requirements to support this industry can best be imagined. The economic impact on Iperu and its environs, the entire Remoland, Ijebu land, and the whole of Ogun State is beyond imagination,” Governor Abiodun said.
He said that apart from the cotton industry, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has also indicated interest in siting a base in the town to secure not only the airport but also to provide adequate security to Iperu and the adjoining towns.
Explaining the rationale behind the siting of the airport at Iperu, Abiodun noted that the town is at the central point of the state, which could be easily accessible from any part of the state, adding that the 100 housing units built by his administration at the Airport Housing Estate would soon be commissioned.
The present administration, the governor informed, embarked on the reconstruction of the old Ibadan and other township roads while public schools and primary healthcare centers were renovated, and a mother-and-child hospital was brought to the town.
He commended the former Accountant General of the Federation for her meritorious service to her state and fatherland, describing her as a true daughter of the state who served without blemish.
“Thank you for all you have done. You have attracted laudable projects like a women’s empowerment center, a mini stadium, and the erosion control project to the town as a form of giving back to society.
“You started from a humble background. You began your primary and secondary education here in Iperu and later went to Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, before proceeding to Ogun State University and working with the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) before moving to the federal level.
“You are hardworking, diligent, focused, intentional, and a disciplined person. Thank you for making us proud; you are a pride to womanhood. It shows that gender must not be a limitation to what one can attain,” he added.
Speaking, Mrs. Madein appreciated the governor for creating a conducive business environment that has attracted a lot of investments to the state.
She said her reason for the visit was to give a report of her stewardship and to inform the governor of her various contributions to state and national development.
“The purpose of this visit is to come and give the report of my stewardship as the Accountant General of the Federation and to let you know that I have represented Ogun State well and contributed to national development.
“It is also to appreciate Your Excellency for the support you gave to me that enabled my success during my tenure,” she said.
Chairman of the Iperu Development Association, Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, noted that the combination of the governor and the Accountant General has greatly impacted the socio-economic development of Iperu, as the town now boasts modern facilities that have improved the standard of living.
The Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, in his contribution, lauded the governor for the transformation witnessed in the last couple of years, noting that the town has moved from a village to a town with modern facilities.
Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, on Monday, April 28, 2025 convicted and sentenced Olaniyan Gbenga Amos to sixty-three (63) years jail term for multiple investment fraud.
He was convicted alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited. They were prosecuted on 30-count charges by Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, bordering on obtaining by false pretences, an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
Count 21 of the charge reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 18th of June, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N995, 000.00 (Nine Hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira) only from Bada Titilope, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of Obtaining Money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”
Another Charge reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 29th of January, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N920, 000.00 (Nine Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) only from Onifade Isaac Olawale, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of Obtaining Money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Consequent upon his plea, the EFCC Counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi opened the case on February 17, 2022 and called eight (8) witnesses, tendered several exhibits that were marked “Exhibits A to H” and closed the case on January 24, 2023.
At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a “no case submission” but was thrown out as the defendant was ordered by the court to enter his defence. Subsequently, the defendant opened and closed its case on October 17th, 2024 where the first defendant testified for himself and on behalf of the 2nd defendant as a lone witness.
The court, after the presentation of the defendants’ case, adopted the final written addresses of both parties as judgment was reserved till April 28th, 2025.
At the resumption of the trial on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Amos to seven (7) years imprisonment on each count of 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 but discharged and acquitted the defendant on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 respectively.
Furthermore, the court ordered that the sentence should run concurrently and the convict must restitute the victims.
Amos was convicted and sentenced to seventy-five (75) years imprisonment by Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan for similar offence on December 14, 2023.
The convict has two other ongoing trials before Federal High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Another journey by the convict to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested and arraigned before Justice Olusola Adetujoye on December 14, 2021 by the EFCC. He swindled several individuals under the pretext of investment ventures that led to the loss of money to the tune of over N1 billion by investors.
Legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has dismissed widespread speculations about his safety and whereabouts, declaring on Tuesday that he was neither missing nor kidnapped.
The music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, following a social media storm ignited by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.
Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs.
In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.. Part 3
One of the suspected promoters of the cryptocurrency trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange, Adefowora Abiodun, who was recently declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, voluntarily surrendered himself to the anti-graft agency on Monday.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a ruling on Thursday last week, approved the EFCC’s request to arrest and detain six promoters of CBEX pending the conclusion of investigations into the alleged offenses and possible prosecution.
Abiodun, alongside five others – Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim – was declared wanted by the EFCC following submissions made by the commission’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf.
After hearing the EFCC’s application, Justice Nwite ruled, “I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant (EFCC). I have also reviewed the affidavit evidence and exhibits, along with the written address. I am satisfied that the application is meritorious and hereby grant it as prayed.”
All six promoters were declared wanted by the EFCC for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment scheme valued at over $1 billion.
Following the declaration, Abiodun, accompanied by his lawyers, turned himself in at the EFCC headquarters at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
Abiodun expressed his willingness to cooperate with the EFCC.
